How to Change NAT Type on PS5 in 2026 and Troubleshoot

A PS5 paired with a fast internet connection offers some of the best gaming performance around, but slow matchmaking can really spoil your fun. A common culprit for this is your PS5’s NAT type, a setting that controls how easily your console connects to other players and game servers.

The good news is, it’s an easy fix. This article tells you how to change your NAT type on your PS5, which NAT type will help you get the most out of your gaming time, and how to fix the NAT type “failed” error in your settings. It also explains how to protect your privacy and security with any NAT type with a VPN.

How to Change Your NAT Type on PS5

There are three main methods you can use, but the exact NAT type you end up with depends on your router and ISP setup:

• Enable UPnP: Lets the PS5 automatically handle the ports it needs. This often gives you Moderate NAT, but sometimes can result in Open NAT if your router plays nice.
• Use DMZ Mode: Routes all traffic directly to your PS5. This is the method most likely to result in Open NAT.
• Set up port forwarding: Manually open the key PlayStation ports. Like UPnP, this usually gives you Moderate NAT, but can also push you to Open.

What Is NAT Type on PS5 and Why Is It Important?

NAT, also known as Network Address Translation, is the system your router uses that allows multiple devices on a network (like your phone, laptop, and PS5) to use the same public IP address on the internet.

NAT essentially translates the private IP and port your PS5 uses into the public IP and port your router presents online, and then translates the response back so it reaches your console. 

Without going into the more complicated details, NAT can be configured to operate in one of three ways. These are called “NAT types,” and they define how restricted or open your console’s connection is. 

The NAT type on a PS5 matters because many online games need to accept incoming connections from other players and services to work properly. If your NAT rules are too strict, your router blocks those incoming attempts, so you can’t join lobbies, host matches, or keep a stable voice chat.

NAT Types on a PS5

Sony’s NAT type numbers (1, 2, 3) don’t perfectly align with technical networking definitions or the terms “open”, “moderate”, and “strict” which many gamers prefer. That said, there’s a significant enough degree of overlap to make these labels useful when choosing the right NAT type, since what matters for gaming is how open your connection is. 

Open NAT (Type 1)

This is the most permissive type of NAT. It can connect to any other type of NAT, and that means it’s great for easy, fast connections to other players and to game servers. 

Many gaming guides recommend this configuration as the fastest and a good way to get the most out of your console. However, its permissiveness makes it vulnerable, and it often won’t block traffic from people trying to break into your system. Your PS5 is essentially left to fend for itself.

Moderate NAT (Type 2)

Moderate NAT connections can connect to other Moderate connections, and to Open NAT as well. 

It’s more secure than Open NAT, but requires more manual configuration, and you’ll need to be comfortable with changing your router’s settings. It can also break things in some games.

Strict NAT (Type 3)

Strict NAT is just a little bit too secure, in that it’ll basically break your gaming experience, and you really shouldn’t use it for your PS5. 

Strict NAT connections can only connect to Open NAT connections, and no others: not even other Strict type connections. When matchmaking never ends, when you get NAT type error messages, Strict NAT is usually to blame.

How to Find Your NAT Type on PS5

Finding your NAT type on a PS5 is easy, but it will take a few button presses:

1. Go to Settings, and select the Network option.



2. Under the Connection Status tab, select the Test Internet Connection option.



3. Wait for the test to complete, and you’ll be able to see your NAT type.



How to Change Your NAT Type on PS5

There are three main methods you can use: UPnP and port forwarding that typically result in Moderate NAT, though can push it to Open, and DMZ Mode which usually results in Open NAT.

Before You Start

If you’re planning to change your NAT type, you’ll need to find the IP address of your PS5 and learn how to get into your router settings.

To find your IP address on your PS5:

1. Go to the Connection Status tab and select View Connection Status. 



2. This will list a whole bunch of details about your connection. Look for your IPv4, write that down, and save it for later. Also save your current MAC address (either wired or wireless).



To get to your router’s settings page:

1. Find your router’s IP address. It’s often printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router. Common ones are 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
2. Open a web browser on your PC, laptop, or phone. Make sure the device is connected to the same network as the router. 
3. Type the IP address into the address bar (not the search bar) and press Enter.
4. Log in with your router’s username and password. These may also be on the sticker, or in the manual.



Fair warning: Be careful when changing router settings, as incorrect rules can put your network at risk of outside attacks. Only forward the ports you need and remove unused ones. Also, note you should avoid using both port forwarding and UPnP. Some games, like Destiny, can experience errors if you enable both¹.

How to Set Up UPnP

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is the easiest method to enable Open NAT by far. It works by analyzing incoming and outgoing internet traffic, and opening up the correct ports as necessary. 

This approach is safer than, say, putting your router in a DMZ. That’s because UPnP only opens the ports it needs and still uses the router’s firewall. This makes it the safest way to enable Open NAT. 

Here’s how to enable it:

1. Go into your router’s settings page.
2. Find UPnP settings in the Network tab (depending on the router, it could be called Advanced, USB Application, or LAN settings). 



3. Enable the UPnP feature.
4. Enter your PS5 IPv4 address.
5. Save the changes and restart the router to make sure the changes are applied.
6. Check your PS5’s network settings, and check the NAT type.

How to Set Up a DMZ

A Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is basically an unprotected part of your network. Any devices placed in that virtual Zone will be unaffected by your router’s firewall. This method is usually the best option when nothing else is working.

That’s because it disables filtering and port checks, which makes your network faster but exposes it to unsolicited internet traffic. But it’ll usually work in a pinch.

1. Go to your router’s settings page.
2. Find the option to create a DMZ (typically in the Network or Administration tab), and enable it.



3. Add your PS5 IPv4 address to the DMZ.
4. Restart your router, and check your PS5 settings for NAT type.

How to Set Up Port Forwarding on Your PS5

Note: Some ISPs lock down their routers so you can’t set up port forwarding at all. If that’s the case, your only options are enabling UPnP or using DMZ mode instead.

Port forwarding allows you to pick and choose the specific ports you want to open, and leave the rest closed. This should work fine for most games and let you play as normal, while keeping non-essential traffic out. 

Importantly, ISPs that use CGNAT don’t allow port forwarding. In which case, you have to contact your provider and ask for a public IP address or a bridge-mode line to use this option.

1. On your router’s settings page, find the DHCP settings (usually found in the LAN tab).
2. Look for your PS5 in the list of connected devices or manually enter the console’s MAC address.
3. Assign a fixed IP address for your PS5 (or its MAC address) and save changes.



4. Look for the port forwarding section, and use your PS5’s IP address to specify which device to open ports for.



5. Look online for extra ports that your favorite online games or PlayStation services might need². You should also open these ports specifically for the relevant protocols:

• • TCP: 80, 443, 465, 993, 1935, 3074, 3478, 3479, 3480
  • UDP: 3478, 3479 (optionally, open ports from 49152–65535)
  
  

  Look online for extra ports that your favorite online games or PlayStation services might need

  

  6. 6. Save the settings and reboot the router, then test the connection on your PS5.

  Remember, every time you get a new online game, look it up to see if it needs extra ports open for VoIP, game servers, or other functionality, and open those in your router. Don’t forget to close ports you’re not using anymore. It’s more work, but it’s also safer.

  If you’re looking for a VPN that supports port forwarding, look no further than PIA. It has a worldwide network of fast, gaming-ready VPN servers and unlimited bandwidth. You can configure PIA on your router or install the app on your desktop and connect your PS5 via LAN.

  How to Fix the NAT Type Failed PS5 Error

  The “NAT Type Failed” error means your PS5 couldn’t complete PSN’s connectivity checks due to blocked ports and other issues like: 

  ⚠️ Double NAT: Your router sits behind another router or gateway that’s also using NAT; this usually happens when your router’s WAN IP is private and forwarding rules don’t work.
  ⚠️ Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT): The ISP shares a single public IPv4 address across multiple customers; as a result, inbound connections can’t reach your router, and port forwarding fails.
  ⚠️ Firewall restrictions: Your router’s firewall or security software is blocking the ports your PS5 needs.
  ⚠️ Outdated router firmware: Old firmware can cause compatibility issues with UPnP or port forwarding.
  ⚠️ ISP limitations: Some providers block certain ports or don’t allow manual port forwarding at all.

  Here are the steps you can take to fix NAT Type Failed errors, organized from the easiest to the more complex ones:

  1. 1. Confirm PSN is online; wait and retest if it’s down.
     2. Power cycle your router (modem) and PS5 by unplugging them for at least 5 minutes.
     3. Contact your ISP to learn if it uses CGNAT, which makes it impossible to port forward; then ask to configure a public IPv4 (or IPv6) address or a bridge-mode line.
     4. In PS5 Network settings, switch DNS from Automatic to Manual and enter public DNS addresses, such as Google’s (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1).
     5. Open (forward) the ports on your router.
     6. Set the PS5’s MAC address to always receive the same IP.
     7. Update your router’s firmware via the Firmware or System Update section of the admin panel (be careful, as incorrect updating can break your router).
     8. Enable Quality of Service (QoS) on your router manually for PS5 or, if the router supports it, select Adaptive QoS to prioritize gaming traffic.
     9. If your router sits behind another router or gateway (double NAT), either put the ISP gateway in bridge mode or switch your router to access point mode.
     10. Configure a VPN on your router or install a VPN app on your desktop and connect your PS5 via LAN to avoid ISP throttling that may disrupt certain online games.

  FAQ

  How do I change my NAT type to open on PS5?

  There are multiple ways to Open NAT to play your favorite PS5 games. Enabling UPnP will let your router automatically forward traffic to and from your PS5 while still keeping the firewall somewhat involved in the process. You may manually open ports (port forwarding) via your router. The least secure but easiest method is to put your PS5 in a DMZ mode.

  What NAT type is best for PS5?

  Officially, NAT type 1 (Open NAT) is the best, because it offers the fastest and most unrestricted connections to game servers and other players. However, this can take your router’s firewall out of play, and leaves the PS5 to defend itself. Type 2 (Moderate NAT) is typically the safest option.

  Why is my NAT type failing on PS5?

  The NAT type error happens when your PlayStation can’t access the PSN servers through the usual ports. This can sometimes be caused by having an outdated router or just overly strict settings. You want to make sure that your NAT type is set to NAT type 2, and you’ll need to configure your router to make that happen.

  Why won’t my NAT type stay open?

  NAT can be unstable for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to: accidental router reset, router updates forcing your ISP’s own configuration, and yes, your ISP can sometimes just have your router set to Strict NAT by default. If you can’t make your settings stick, you’ll need to contact your ISP’s customer support for assistance.

  How do I fix the NAT type error on PS5?

  Several issues can trigger NAT errors on the PS5. Confirm PSN is online, then restart your modem, router, and console. Assign the PS5 a static IP, update router firmware, and forward Sony’s required ports. You can try using the UPnP feature, enabling DMZ mode, or setting manual DNS servers. If you’re stuck behind double NAT or CGNAT, contact your ISP.

  Why is my NAT type suddenly strict?

  It usually comes down to your router. Go to your router’s settings page to make sure that a new update or unexpected reboot hasn’t caused your settings to change against your will. Double-check that UPnP is still enabled, or that your DMZ still exists, and that any manual port forwarding you set up is still in play.

  What’s the best VPN for PS5?

  PIA is a great VPN for PS5. You can configure it on a wide range of routers, it supports port forwarding, and it has a global network of 10 Gbps NextGen servers, so you get great speeds no matter where you are. New subscribers can test it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  References

  1. 1. Advanced Troubleshooting: UPnP, Port Forwarding, and NAT Types – Bungie.net
     2. How to fix NW-102417-5 – PlayStation
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